The power of a queen ann.., p.1
Lyon's Den, page 1
Table of Contents
Cover
Lyon’s Den - Blurb
Praise for the works of Gerri Hill
Bella Books Social Media
Other Bella Books by Gerri Hill
About the Author
Title Page
Copyright
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Chapter Forty
Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-Two
Chapter Forty-Three
Chapter Forty-Four
Chapter Forty-Five
Chapter Forty-Six
Chapter Forty-Seven
Chapter Forty-Eight
Chapter Forty-Nine
Chapter Fifty
Chapter Fifty-One
Chapter Fifty-Two
Chapter Fifty-Three
Chapter Fifty-Four
Chapter Fifty-Five
Chapter Fifty-Six
Chapter Fifty-Seven
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Bella Books
Lyon’s Den
When cynical journalist Joni James gets assigned to cover The Lyon’s Den—a women’s wilderness retreat in the Colorado mountains—she’s armed with sarcasm and ready to write the takedown her boss expects. No phone. No wine. No chance she’ll enjoy a single minute of this nature-loving nightmare.
But as obstacle courses turn to opportunities and scavenger hunts spark unexpected joy, Joni finds herself drawn to the very things she planned to ridicule—especially the retreat’s enigmatic and infuriatingly captivating owner, Kendall Lyon.
With each yoga session and mountain hike, the walls around Joni’s heart begin to crumble. Now she faces an impossible choice—deliver the scathing exposé that could advance her career or follow her heart into uncharted territory with the woman who helped her rediscover herself.
Praise for the works of Gerri Hill
Jones
This gripping romantic thriller is another stand out for Hill. Her compelling characters and well-scripted plot offer readers an immersive reading experience, one filled with tension, emotion, and unexpected twists. This is a must-read for anyone who loves romantic thrillers threaded with captivating mystery. It’s sure to linger long after the last page.
-Women Using Words
Jones is an intriguing, well-crafted mystery novel with its clues methodically revealed right up to a satisfying ending.
-Sue M., NetGalley
The Apple Diary
Hill has always been known for captivating storylines and well-developed characters, so it should surprise no one that The Apple Diary is an enchanting, heartwarming story that will leave one wanting more. Readers will appreciate her intriguing storyline and immersive story world.
-Women Using Words
Hunter’s Revenge
Hill brings it all together for Tori in book five of this series in ways only a skilled storyteller can. Readers will no doubt appreciate the depth she brings to Hunter’s story. Hunter’s Revenge is a first-rate piece of storytelling and I guarantee Hunter fans will not be disappointed.
-Women Using Words
As always, Hill does a fantastic job of weaving the reader through a multi-layered path into a beautiful meadow of a perfectly told story.
-Denise J., NetGalley
Such a great ending to one of this genre’s most beloved series.
-Patricia B., NetGalley
I could wax on and on about this novel, but I won’t. If you’ve yet to read this series, crack on with it now. It is brilliant.
-Natalie T., NetGalley
Timber Falls
Gerri Hill is the only lesfic writer I can think of who can write absolutely any genre, and consistently produce top-quality work. Romance, mystery, paranormal…Timber Falls is no exception.
-Karen C., NetGalley
I would say this is a typical Hill novel but only if you understand ‘typical’ to mean an outstanding story, intriguing characters, beautiful settings, and unparalleled writing.
-Della B., NetGalley
This book may well be the best book Gerri Hill has written in years. It has everything needed to keep her readers reading into the wee hours of the morning…
-Abbott F., NetGalley
The Great Charade
One of the big loves I had for this book, among other things, was it is so full of rich dialogue.
-Carol C., NetGalley
The Great Charade really is a heartwarming, romantic holiday book that I’m really glad I was able to read this season.
-Betty H., NetGalley
…this was a perfect Christmas book. Not only does it nail the Christmas theme, but the premise is also engaging from the very first page… I absolutely adored this Christmas novel and it’s definitely one of my favourites from Gerri Hill.
-Natalie T., NetGalley
Red Tide at Heron Bay
Ms. Hill has certainly done it again. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. This is a murder, mystery, romance with loveable main characters who are fully developed and has great chemistry… You can actually picture yourself in the setting watching the story unfold. This is now one of my favorite books.
-Bonnie A., NetGalley
This is exactly why Gerri Hill is a master in suspense and crime and romance books! Sooo good! This book was a brilliant slow burn in both ways, the romance and the crime.
-Stephanie D., NetGalley
Another brilliant gripping crime thriller from Gerri Hill, couldn’t put it down and read in one sitting!
-Claire E., NetGalley
Gerri Hill writes wonderful mysteries, and this is no exception. I know I’m reading something special when I can’t put a book down.
-The Lesbian Review
The Stars at Night
The Stars at Night is a beautiful mountain romance that will transport you to a paradise. It’s a story of self-discovery, family, and rural living. This romance was a budding romance that snuck-up and on two unsuspecting women who found themselves falling in love under the stars…It’s a feel-good slow-burn romance that will make your heart melt.
-Les Rêveur
Hill is such a strong writer. She’s able to move the plot along through the characters’ dialogue and actions like a true boss. It’s a masterclass in showing, not telling. The story unfolds at a languid pace which mirrors life in a small, mountain town, and her descriptions of the environment bring the world of the book alive.
-The Lesbian Review
Gillette Park
…is a phenomenal book! I wish I could give this more than five stars. Yes, there is a paranormal element, and a love story, and conflict, and danger. And it’s all worth it. Thank you, Gerri Hill, for writing a brilliant masterpiece!
-Carolyn M., NetGalley
This book was just what I was hoping for and wickedly entertaining… If you are a Hill fan, grab this.
-Lex Kent’s Reviews, goodreads
Gerri Hill has written another action-packed thriller. The writing is excellent and the characters engaging. Wow!
-Jenna F., NetGalley
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Blog: Bella Media Channel
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Other Bella Books by Gerri Hill
After the Summer Rain
Angel Fire
The Apple Diary
Artist’s Dream
At Seventeen
Behind the Pine Curtain
Chasing a Brighter Blue
The Cottage
Coyote Sky
Dawn of Change
Devil’s Rock
Gillette Park
The Great Charade
Gulf Breeze
Hell’s Highway
Hunter’s Revenge
Hunter’s Way
In the Name of the Father
Jones
Keepers of the Cave
The Killing Room
The Locket
Love Waits
The Midnight Moon
Moonlight Avenue
The Neighbor
No Strings
One Summer Night
Paradox Valley
Partners
Pelican’s Landing
The Rainbow Cedar
Red Tide at Heron Bay
The Roundabout
Sawmill Springs
The Scorpion
The Secret Pond
Sierra City
Snow Falls
The Stars at Night
Storms
The Target
Timber Falls
Weeping Walls
About the Author
Gerri Hill has forty-five published works, including the 2022 GCLS winner The Great Charade and the 2021 GCLS winner Gillette Park, the 2020 GCLS winner After the Summer Rain, the 2019 winner The Neighbor, the 2017 GCLS winner Paradox Valley, 2014 GCLS winner The Midnight Moon, 2011, 2012 and 2013 winners Devil’s Rock, Hell’s Highway and Snow Falls, as well as the 2013 Lambda finalist At Seventeen. Gerri lives in south-central Texas, only a few hours from the Gulf Coast, a place that has inspired many of her books. With her partner, Diane, they share their life with two Australian shepherds—Rylee and Mason—and a couple of furry felines.
For more, visit her website at gerrihill.com.
Copyright © 2025 by Gerri Hill
Bella Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 10543
Tallahassee, FL 32302
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced or transmitted in any form or manner or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or for the purpose of training artificial intelligence technologies or systems without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.
First Edition - 2025
Editor: Medora MacDougall
Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso
ISBN: 978-1-64247-640-8
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
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Chapter One
Joni James stared at her boss, her perfectly plucked eyebrows drawn together in a sharp V. “Excuse me? What?”
Mr. Turnbull sat down and gave a fake smile. “What part didn’t you understand?”
“Well, I actually stopped listening when I heard ‘wilderness.’”
“It’s an assignment, Joni. Like many before.” He pointed at her and waved his hand in a circle. “What? I don’t understand this look you have on your face.”
She stood up quickly, pacing. A retreat? In the woods? For a freakin’ month? Was he out of his mind?
“Look, not to be disrespectful, but…no. Absolutely not going. As you know, I was born and raised in Manhattan. I don’t do woods. I certainly don’t do wilderness. I prefer concrete under my feet.” She pointed to herself. “I know I’m gay, but I’m not that kind of gay. I wear suits, I wear makeup. I wear lipstick.” She smiled and shook her head. “I don’t do the woods,” she said again louder than before. “I’m sure you can find someone who loves the outdoors who would jump at this assignment.”
“Of course I could. It’s because you hate the woods that I want you to do it. You’re perfect for this.”
She looked past him to the view of downtown Denver. She brought her eyes higher, seeing the mountains in the distance. Mountains she had never ventured into. Mountains she had no desire to venture into. Why had she ever left Manhattan? Why had she moved out here?
Don’t you remember? Her name was Elana, and you thought you were in love. Why in the hell hadn’t she moved back east already?
She blew out her breath, then sat down again. “Okay. Explain it once more.”
“It’s a retreat for women. It’s in Tin Cup, which is south in the Gunnison National Forest.”
Forest. For god’s sake, a fucking forest. She closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead but said nothing.
“I would like you to write an in-depth article on the place.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Why me?”
“Because you’ll hate it. And because my wife went there in September and came back a completely different person. I don’t even know her anymore.”
“Charlotte? The woman who does champagne brunch every single day went to the woods?” The woman was dripping in diamonds and furs. Why in the world would she go to a place like that?
“Yes. She used to do champagne brunch every day. She no longer drinks alcohol. She’s cut her hair short and has taken up yoga. She’s eating tofu now, if you can believe that.”
She frowned, then her eyes widened as she had a brilliant idea. “But that’s great! There you go! You already have your insight. You don’t need me. You can write the article yourself based on your wife’s experience,” she said enthusiastically.
He stared at her for a long, quiet moment before he spoke. “She’s filed for divorce.”
“What? Charlotte?” She finally understood. “Oh my god. You want me to do a hit piece. And because I don’t like the woods…”
“You’re perfect for it. Yes, a hit piece. I want to ruin this place.”
“Why do you think this place—”
“The Lyon’s Den.” He smirked. “What a silly name.”
“Right. Why do you think this place—Lyon’s Den—is the reason she wants a divorce?”
“Because it’s a man-bashing place, I’m sure. Charlotte is like a stranger now.” His eyes narrowed. “She lost nearly twenty pounds while she was there. She changed the way she dresses, the way she eats. She’s got these new friends that she met there. She donated money to the Colorado Wilderness Conservancy of all places. And she’s joined a hiking club! But she, like you, hates the woods! Or she used to. She’s been brainwashed, I’m certain of it.”
She was at a loss for words. Surely he didn’t seriously expect her to spend a month out there just to write a hit piece. She could do that from her desk in her comfortable office chair.
“You’re booked for the month of July. You might want to research it before you go. I’ll email you all the correspondence I have from them.” He tapped some papers on his desk. “I’ll forward the info they sent me, but there’s a waiver for you to sign. And from what I’ve learned, the owner doesn’t give interviews. They know you’re a journalist and know who you work for, but I don’t think they’re interested in publicity, so I don’t know how much cooperation you’ll get.”
She again rubbed her forehead. She wondered how long it would take to find a new job if she simply quit and walked out. Or she could simply refuse the assignment. Would he fire her? If so, it could be her excuse to move back east. She sighed. I wonder how much wine I have at home.
Chapter Two
“Are you serious? Why you? You hate the great outdoors!”
Joni opened up her laptop and plopped down on the sofa. “Because he’s fucking insane, that’s why.”
Kimberly sat down beside her. “Does he not know you?”
Joni fake smiled at that. “That’s why he picked me. He wants me to hate it there—which I will—and he wants me to write a hit piece on them.”
She pulled up the website, going immediately to “About” and clicking there. “Ah. Now I know why it’s called Lyon’s Den. It’s owned by Kendall Lyon.”
Kimberly leaned closer. “Oh wow. She’s cute.”
Joni stared at the dark-haired woman who was smiling charmingly at the camera. Her short hair appeared to be windblown, and she was surrounded by trees. “You think so?”
Kimberly laughed. “Oh, that’s right. You go for the more femme type.” She patted her leg. “That’s worked out great for you, hasn’t it.”
